My Fall Bucket List

In last week’s post I shared some of my tips for embracing the season and how to avoid seasonal FOMO. You know, that feeling you get when you’ve missed out on your favorite seasonal treats, activities, and experiences? Think about what makes a season quintessential. In summer, its long beach days, BBQs with friends and family, and nights that end in ice cream and long strolls through the neighborhood. In Autumn it’s pumpkin-everything, the changing leaves and lots of layered clothing to stay warm and cozy.

{Changing leaves makes nature feel so cozy}

My word of the year back in January was “presence.” I wanted to feel more present, cultivate more time for the people and activities I love, including loads of self-care and down time, and just overall be more mindful; about my thoughts, actions and words.

{Autumn reminds me of flannel, plaid and long walks through crunchy fallen leaves with Harlow}

I really love summer. With my July birthday and the warm sunshine, its where I thrive. Because I love summer SO MUCH, I used to over hype it up and look forward to it all year long. This led me to never really enjoy the moment (or season) I was in unless it was summer and most of the time I was too busy to truly enjoy it. I would then dread the change of season into fall and winter and it was an instant downer. I don’t love the cold weather and I’d let that dominate my happiness. I’d find myself getting really complain-y all the time and it never led to anything good. This mindset wasn’t serving me at all.

{Dark nails and over-sized sweaters get me feeling all the Autumns feels}

To shift my perspective I started to get really intentional about the seasons here in New York.

It’s where I live, so I took the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” mentality. As each season begins to change, I like to meditate on what I love about the season ahead. I think about the flavors of the season, the new produce I’d see at the markets, the clothes that I love to wear when it gets cooler out, and the activities I want to do with loved ones. A simple as that I’d feel excited, invigorated and heck, I even start to look forward to a change in season.

{Roasted vegetable soups are what I crave for lunch in the fall – so hearty and warming}

As I mentioned in last week’s post, one of my favorite ways to get intentional with the change in season is to make a seasonal bucket list. You can do this activity on your own, with your partner or with a good friend. With four distinct seasons in the Northeast that each bring their own flavors, experiences, weather, style and traditions, making the most of each one is totally up to you! Even if you live in a more moderate climate, different times of year breed their own traditions, foods and experiences.

{Suja Juice’s Guide to Apples is a life saver at the local markets}

Start by thinking of the weather, color, smells, flavors, activities, clothing, feelings, music that make the season unique. Then, think about what you LOVE about the season. Maybe this calls to mind a favorite tradition from your childhood or something new you’d like to create as a tradition. Then, jot down at least 10 feelings, flavors, activities or experiences that make up your seasonal bucket list. If a season is approximately 3 months long, that’s just about 3 items off your bucket list per month – totally doable!

Visit the Catskills and go antiquing

Try a new Apple recipe

Try a new squash from the market (farmer recommended)

Visit a Museum in NYC

Lots of cozy movie nights at home with K and pup

As I started writing this bucket list I started to get overwhelmingly excited about the season ahead and all of the possibilities that await. I can’t wait for you to try and I hope some of the items on my bucket list have inspired you too. Leave a comment below, post your list on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook, tag me and use #createyourgreatlife so I can check out your seasonal bucket list this month!!

Now it’s your turn… write “My Autumn Bucket List” on a piece of paper, number a list 1-10 and get writing!

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DeAnna Lynn Englezos is a Brooklyn-based Certified Holistic Health and Lifestyle Coach. Her core mission is to share accessible information on health and happiness that actually works and healthy recipes that taste great. DeAnna is the proud owner of an adorable rescue pup named Harlow and posts pictures of her often.